For an integer d, the volume of a d-dimensional unit ball is v(d) = pi^(d/2)/(d/2)! and its surface area is area(d) = d pi^(d/2)/(d/2)! = d v(d). If we interpolate n! = gamma(n+1) we can define v(d) and area(d) as continuous functions for (at least) d >= 0.

A074457 purports to minimize area(d). Since area(d+2) = 2 pi v(d), area() is minimized at y = x+2, therefore A074457 coincides with the current sequence except at the first term. (End)